Aldeguer's Ascent: The Gresini Rider Emerging as a Factory Ducati Prospect

Fermin Aldeguer, the young Spaniard riding for Gresini Racing, is rapidly making a case for consideration in the factory Ducati MotoGP team, showcasing a blend of raw talent and tactical acumen that belies his rookie status. While initial expectations were tempered, Aldeguer’s recent performances suggest he could be a contender for a coveted factory seat in the near future.

Aldeguer’s entry into MotoGP was met with cautious optimism. After a spectacular end to the 2023 Moto2 season, which saw him secure an early contract with Gresini, his final year in the intermediate class presented challenges. The introduction of Pirelli tyres proved difficult, and he often found himself as the third-best rider on a Boscoscuro chassis. This led many to view 2025 as a foundational year for learning rather than one marked by significant results.

The initial rounds of the season were relatively quiet for Aldeguer, but the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin marked a turning point. Starting from 12th on the grid, he quickly moved into the top 10 and continued to advance towards the front. By lap 16, he had reached fifth place, closely trailing Franco Morbidelli of Pramac Racing. Although a crash at Turn 15 ended his race prematurely, the impressive charge demonstrated his potential in MotoGP.

"The expectations for me changed a lot during the season because maybe we didn’t start in the best way and all the rookies were going better than me," Aldeguer told Motorsport.com in Sepang. "But we had a good feeling and a good pace – and step by step, we are arriving at the top."

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Aldeguer pinpointed the Austin GP as a breakthrough moment. "I think Austin GP [was where we made a breakthrough] because we did the straight pass to Q2 on Friday for the first time. After that, in the race, I felt super good. I was fifth and I was [able to] close the [gap to] Morbidelli. I crashed when two or three laps [were left], but the confidence I took in this grand prix [was significant]. This was the click [for me]."

One of Aldeguer’s most notable attributes this season has been his ability to maintain a strong pace in the latter stages of races, a trait reminiscent of Enea Bastianini’s performances on the factory Ducati. This was particularly evident at the Austrian GP, where he recovered from eighth on the opening lap to finish just over a second behind race winner Marc Marquez.

"Honestly, it is difficult to say [where the late race pace comes from], but I always felt good with the used tyre," he explained. "Also in Moto2, I managed very well in the last laps, the last phase of the race. I don’t know if it’s something from my riding style or how I use the throttle – I always felt better in the last part than in the first part of the race. We have to improve the first part to do better in the last part."

However, Aldeguer’s path to the front is often complicated by his starting positions. MotoGP’s current format places a significant emphasis on Friday practice sessions, where a direct entry into Q2 can significantly impact a rider’s weekend. Failing to secure a spot in Q2 can force even the fastest riders to navigate the challenges of Q1.

In eight of the season’s rounds, Aldeguer has started outside the top 10, a challenge that both he and his crew chief, Frankie Carchedi, are determined to overcome. "One of my goals for this last part of the season is to improve the lap time in qualifying and also practice," Aldeguer said. "When you are in Q2 and you start in the first [few] positions, it’s easier to do the race and to manage the race. It is one thing that I want to improve, but it’s just [about] time; to use new tyres, try and look where the limit is, because I don’t know at that moment where the limit of the bike is. I need more time, more crashes, and for sure I took [some time]."

When Aldeguer started on the front row at the Indonesian Grand Prix, he capitalized on the opportunity, securing his maiden MotoGP victory. While Marco Bezzecchi’s early error eliminated two frontrunners, Aldeguer demonstrated improved racecraft and maturity in securing the win.

Despite these successes, Aldeguer acknowledges that his race results have not always reflected his true pace. Crashes in Jerez, Assen, and Sepang, all occurring from promising positions, highlight areas that still require refinement. However, these incidents are viewed as part of the learning process for the young rider, who was still a teenager when the season commenced.

"I think in some races, we were faster and stronger than the results. It was difficult to manage this in myself because when you feel better than the result, you are sad with yourself," Aldeguer admitted, after clinching the rookie of the year title in Malaysia. "But it’s a good opportunity for taking experience and continuing to improve."

As Aldeguer’s career progresses, his sights are set on securing a factory Ducati seat when the MotoGP transfer market reopens in 2027. However, the availability of such a seat remains uncertain. Marc Marquez’s current form and potential reluctance to switch manufacturers, combined with Francesco Bagnaia’s strong support within Ducati, present obstacles.

Even if a seat becomes available, Aldeguer will face stiff competition, particularly from within his own Gresini team. Alex Marquez has delivered strong performances in 2025 and has already been rewarded with a factory-spec bike for 2026. Aldeguer will need to demonstrate that he possesses greater long-term potential than the older Marquez, who will be 31 in 2027.

Aldeguer’s current contract is structured as a two-plus-two deal, granting Ducati the option to retain him until 2028. "I have a contract with the Ducati factory," Aldeguer said. "In my contract, if you do two good seasons, you have the opportunity to join the official team. But it all depends on results, on my potential. I’m 100% sure that if Ducati sees that I’m ready to go, [they will give me a seat, otherwise], we will stay there [at Gresini]."

Clarifying the specifics of his contract, Aldeguer explained, "We talk about this, but we are not talking ‘maybe on this date, in 2027, you will go to the official [team]. It’s just they bring me the calm. Then maybe if I do good results, this opportunity will arrive."

In 2026, Aldeguer will be one of only two riders on the grid racing a year-old Ducati. His performance against riders on the GP26, especially Alex Marquez, will be crucial in determining whether he can transition from a promising rookie to a factory-caliber rider.